Portage

Residents in Portage la Prairie are starting to see their new solid waste carts arrive this week, with deliveries beginning for Route 1.

The first automated pickups for Zone 1 begin August 1st.

The Community Foundation of Portage & District has received a second generous donation from the estate of the late Richard (Dick) Lynwood Street.

Lorna Knight, executive director of the foundation, notes, “This donation was $61,250. This was the final payout from the late Richard Lynwood Street’s estate. We had received funds from this estate before, but this is the final payout as per his wishes.”

The foundation previously received $50,000 from the estate in 2023.

Peter Bracken, Realtor with RE/MAX Valleyview, knew early on that his future would be built on more than just bricks and boards. After 30 years in construction, several doctors advised him that his hands could no longer withstand the physical demands.

“I went home. Felt sorry for myself for about six hours,” Bracken says. “But I realized I did not have time for that.”

Vehicle theft continues to challenge communities across Manitoba, including Portage la Prairie, where residents are reminded to take precautions as Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) reports stolen vehicles cost the province around $40 million annually.

Tara Seel, MPI’s Media and Public Relations Lead, says the theft problem isn’t just in big cities; it’s province-wide.

The pace of auto theft is dropping in Canada thanks to collective efforts to crack down on thieves, says an industry group focused on insurance fraud and crime.

Équité Association said in a report released Monday that the number of vehicles reported stolen nationally dropped 19.1 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Just over 23,000 vehicles were reported stolen in the first six months of the year in Canada, the report said.

The move to accept Australian shipments comes as China conducts an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola

Canada’s canola growers could soon be facing stiff competition in their top seed market.

Reuters is reporting that Australia is close to finalizing an agreement that will reopen the Chinese market to canola shipments from Down Under.

The world’s second-largest canola exporter has been shut out of the largest import market since 2020 due to phytosanitary requirements aimed at preventing the spread of blackleg disease.

This year’s show saw three clear days for attendees to see equipment, livestock and the latest in technology

Ag In Motion 2025 organizers are pleased with this year’s attendance.

"We’re very pleased with attendance, response from exhibitors and the overall tone of the show this year," said Rob O’Connor, Ag In Motion show director.

What started as a relaxing summer evening nearly turned into tragedy, but thanks to a man's quick actions, it became a story of bravery, remaining calm under pressure, and a child’s second chance.

On Friday, July 18th, Preston Houle, a 29-year-old diesel mechanic from Portage la Prairie, took his three children, Carson, 6, Kaylee, 4, and his eight-month-old baby Jackson, to Delta Beach with his fiancée, April. While in the water, he suddenly heard cries for help. 

Thick, smoky air has settled over large swaths of southern Manitoba on Monday afternoon, prompting Environment Canada and Manitoba Health to issue an air quality warning for several rural municipalities.

Residents from Portage la Prairie to Neepawa are being urged to take precautions as wildfire smoke continues to sweep across the province, reducing visibility and posing health risks to vulnerable individuals. Officials say it is already impacting air quality and could reach the U.S. border before the day’s end.

Thousands of people came to Austin, Manitoba, for the annual Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede. A one-of-a-kind celebration of prairie grit, horsepower, and deep-rooted traditions. With four days of heritage demos, rodeo thrills, and family fun, the event continues to draw everyone from first-time visitors to lifelong attendees.